Southampton, Hampshire
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.
2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do. The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.
Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.
From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.
Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.
Number of results: 174
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Easter
Ryde
Okay you ‘Chocolate Detectives’ it is time to make like Sherlock and visit the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for our Great Railway Easter Hunt!
General event
Southampton
Join our volunteers as we explore the World Heritage Jurassic Coast coastline. Our route will see Shieldhall depart her Poole Quay berth, passing the exclusive Sandbanks area and crossing the chain ferry route close to the port entrance before…
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
Join our expert shipwrights for a fun and informative drop-in caulking workshop! Learn about this traditional technique used for centuries to seal wooden seams on ships.
What to Expect:
- Discover how tar-soaked rope fibres are used for caulking…
Performing Arts
New Forest
This Is My Theatre presents Alice's Adventure in Wonderland on Wednesday 12 August 2026.
Step through the looking glass and into a world where nothing is quite as it seems… Perfect for dreamers of all ages, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland invites…
Arts
Swanwick Shore Road, Swanwick, Southampton
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
General event
Southampton
One way trip to Poole, passengers make their own way back (coach transport may be booked – see separate form). Our trip will see us pass the sights and sounds of busy Southampton Water, The Needles, Hengistbury Head and Poole Harbour, passing…
Childrens Events
New Forest
Hop into spring this Easter at Beaulieu!
Visitors to Beaulieu this Easter will be one of the first to see the transformed entrance to the National Motor Museum, as well as brand-new gallery Driven: Britain's Motoring Story!
Plus you can explore…
Childrens Events
Whiteley, Fareham
Make your Sundays better with
KIDS EAT FREE at The Parsons Collar
With on paying adult
A great wat to finish of your busy week. On Sunday's eat FREE with a paying adult. Not to be used in conjunction wiht any other offer or discount.
To book…
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Children's Carnival Day on the Isle of Wight Join Ryde Carnival for some free family fun as we celebrate Children's Carnival Day. Lots of activities and entertainment will take place in different locations around Ryde town centre.
Family…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Land Rover on Sunday 5 July 2026.
All Land Rover owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.
Arts
Sarson Lane, Andover
Thursday December 3
Doors open at 6:30pm | Official opening at 7:00pm
Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for an evening of drinks and canapes to celebrate the anniversary of the Trust's partnership with official Artist in Residence, Alex McGarry!
The…
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Beaulieu Bikers' Day on Saturday 6 June 2026.
No matter what the age, make or model of your motorbike, the Beaulieu Bikers' Day is open to all. So pull on your leathers and ride into Beaulieu for a great…
Music
Old Portsmouth
Join Sam Garrett for a rare and intimate evening of live music inside the beautiful surroundings of Portsmouth Cathedral.
Sam Garrett is an English singer-songwriter whose music reflects his journey through Eastern philosophy, meditation, yoga and…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Southampton
Looking for fun things to do with kids this Easter holiday in Hampshire? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape Southampton, located in the stunning 440-acre Itchen Valley Country Park, for an active outdoor adventure designed to keep your whole…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday December 4, Saturday 5, Friday 11, Saturday 12
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
Kick off the festive season with a magical evening with the Hawk Conservancy Trust's owls! They'll be flying their awesome owls under moonlight…
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight The very last carnival of the summer, Ryde Carnival's illuminated procession is a fabulous spectacle of light and music that rounds the Isle of Wight carnival season off in style.
Carnival route …
Festival
Portsmouth
A two day Thai Festival to experience the taste of Thailand this summer at Southsea Common is brought to you by Magic of Thailand.
Special Events
Basingstoke
Saturday 24th October 2026
We invite you to a murder mystery night of solving crimes and indulgent dining on Saturday 24th October at Oakley Hall Hotel in Basingstoke, Hampshire! join a cast of classic character for a Country House whodunit in…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 August
10am-5:30pm
Calling all minibeast detectives, plant enthusiasts and nature lovers of all ages – the Hawk Conservancy Trust are going wild!
Head to the Hawk Conservancy Trust's Big Wild Weekend – a festival of British…
Sporting Event
Southampton
Join us for the 11th Anniversary of the ABP Southampton Marathon, Half, 10K, 5K and Fun Run! Taking place on Sunday 3rd May 2026 - run with friends, with your club or for a charity. The route takes you round parks, seas and city. Sign up now and…
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